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  1. #1

    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    The scythed chariot has a single driver as historical evidence hints that such chariots were manned by only one driver in the Achaemenid army. We don't know if this was the case for the Seleucids, but considering that the scythed chariot was adopted directly from the Persians, and the fact that they were shock vehicles and thus didn't need more than one driver, it seems likely.

  2. #2
    Member Megas Methuselah's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    Quote Originally Posted by MeinPanzer View Post
    The scythed chariot has a single driver as historical evidence hints that such chariots were manned by only one driver in the Achaemenid army. We don't know if this was the case for the Seleucids, but considering that the scythed chariot was adopted directly from the Persians, and the fact that they were shock vehicles and thus didn't need more than one driver, it seems likely.
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Megas Methuselah View Post
    WOW, it's MeinPanzer!
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    I can see how the scythed chariots would each only require one driver. I guess I was thinking more of the war chariot. In the war chariot's case you would need a driver, and one or two other men. Perhaps three other men if you were Assyrian, haha. Then again, by the time we get to the Assyrians in the 9th century BCE we start seeing the use of cavalry as a war unit.
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    Member Megas Methuselah's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    MeinPanzer, it's great to see you back, man! I hope to see ya posting more often.

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    Member Member geala's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    A single driver would make sense in a chariot that is the weapon in itself. Without a second man on the vehicle you spare about 60 to 80 kg that you can invest in more armor and/or speed and movability. So there is very good argument that the later scythed chariots were also manned only by one person.
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    JEBMMP Creator & AtB Maker Member jirisys's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    Yes but, weren't they armed with a javelin thrower? I haven't read any detailed info about the Battle of Guamela (just the wikipedia article) so it is possible that there was a javalineer for skirmishing and long range attacks (they were weak against the pestalts of Alexander), please correct me if i'm wrong

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    Arrogant Ashigaru Moderator Ludens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scythed Chariot Question

    I doubt the equipment of such chariots was standardized. Chariots were prestige weapons, so those who chose to employ them may have added a fighter even if it wasn't strictly necessary. However, I doubt that a single javelineer would have made much difference against determined light infantry. If the noise and the scythes didn't panic their assailants, a few javelins are not going to scare them off either.
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